Newport Gwent Dragons conclude their preparations for their Magners League campaign on Friday with a match against Guinness Premiership side Bath, kick off 7.15pm.
The Dragons have selected a 26-man squad for the game and The Dragons latest signing Colin Charvis and American international Mike Hercus are both expected to make their Rodney Parade debuts with Mike wearing The Dragons jersey for the first time.
Speaking ahead of the game Head Coach Paul Turner commented, "Friday night's match allows us to measure ourselves against one of the top sides in the UK. They reached the semi finals of the Heineken Cup last year and have enjoyed good pre season results to date. They have a strong squad of players and are headed up by a new coaching team. They will provide stern opposition for us but a big test is just what we need going into the start of our Magners League campaign. We will be looking to improve from last weekend, build on the things we did well while improving our discipline which is one of the things from last weekend we were unhappy with."
Paul Turner's Dragons will come up against some of English rugby's most talented players including Olly Barkley, Steve Borthwick and Danny Grewcock along with Welsh International pair Gareth Delve and Andy Williams. Like The Dragons, Bath remain undefeated in pre season. The Dragons comfortably dispatched of a Gwent Select XV (66-0) while last weekend they beat the Cornish Pirates (6-20).
The Dragons have selected four academy members in their squad and will look to give game time to the youngsters who have impressed so far this season. "The academy members have trained with the senior squad throughout the summer," continued Paul. "Their dedication and professionalism has impressed everyone and anyone of these could take the season by storm if they take their chance when it arrives."
Also expected to make their Rodney Parade debuts in Dragons shirts are Aled Brew who scored a hat trick in the game against the Gwent Premier side, hooker Ben Daly, flanker Joe Bearman, No.8 Nic Fitisemanu, prop Lee Harrison and wing Matt Jess who scored his first try for The Dragons last week against his former club the Cornish Pirates.
"It is the last opportunity for the squad to gel. We have enjoyed a good summer, and there is a real buzz about the place. Training has been hard but has paid off, as there are noticeable improvements in fitness levels. The youngsters have taken their opportunities well and the new additions to the squad have settled in and contributed both on and off the field. Bath will be competitive up front while they possess a fluid, attacking back line so we will be tested in all facets of the game. It's a game that will tell and show us more about ourselves and where we are ahead of our first Magners League game against Glasgow next Friday," concluded Paul.
Friday night's game is the first chance for supporters to watch the new signings at Rodney Parade when they face one of the toughest sides in the Guinness Premiership. Season ticket holders can get in free to the game with their tickets while tickets are on sale from the Rodney Parade ticket office.
Dragons Squad
Aled Thomas, Gareth Wyatt, Matt Jess, Nathan Brew, Gareth Maule, Ceri Sweeney, Aled Brew, Craig Warlow, Mike Hercus, Alex Walker, Gareth Baber, Adam Black, David Maddocks, Ben Daly, Steve Jones, Richard Wilkes, Rhys Thomas, Lee Harrison, Bryn Griffiths, Andrew Hall, Peter Sidoli, Joe Bearman, Colin Charvis, Jamie Ringer, Nic Fitisemanu, Lewis Evans.
The tennis courts at Rodney Parade have been removed and a training field will being erected in its place. This will mean The Dragons will have a gym and training facilities available on site and allow them to base themselves out of Rodney Parade.
